UNITED  WAY  “FACT  A  DAY”  

Fact  #1  –  United  Way’s  invests  in  local  programs  in  the  areas  of  Education,  Income  and  Health  because  these  are  the  building  blocks  to  a  good  quality  of  life.  We  all  win  when  a  child  succeeds  in  school,  when  a  neighborhood  turns  around,  when  families  have  good  health,  and  when  workers  have  solid  jobs.  

Fact  #2  –  If  a  child  cannot  read  proficiently  by  3rd  grade,  they  may  never  catch  up  enough  to  graduate  from  High  School.    United  Way  invests  in  56  Education  programs,  and  85%  of  children  who  participated  in  United  Way-­‐funded  programs  last  year  improved  their  literacy  skills.  

Fact  #3  –  The  money  that  is  raised  here,  stays  here.  By  investing  in  220+  local  programs  at  over  110  local  agency  program  partners  in  Milwaukee,  Waukesha,  Ozaukee  &  Washington  Counties,  United  Way  is  helping  ensure  that  your  donation  is  used  to  improve  the  quality  of  life  right  here  in  our  community.        

Fact  #4  –  Each  year,  over  6,700  people  volunteer  with  United  Way,  doing  everything  from  planting  a  garden  to  reading  to  children  to  helping  an  older  adult  stay  in  their  home.  United  Way  can  create  a  custom  volunteer  experience  for  you,  your  work  group  or  your  family,  so  you  can  experience  how  great  it  feels  to  do  good.    

Fact  #5  –  Home  ownership  and  postsecondary  education  are  two  ways  people  can  build  assets  to  achieve  financial  stability.  Last  year,  90%  of  the  adults  and  families  that  participated  in  United  Way-­‐funded  housing  and  home  ownership  programs  avoided  foreclosure,  eviction  and  homelessness.  

Fact  #6  –  Giving  to  United  Way’s  Community  Impact  Fund  is  the  most  efficient  and  most  powerful  way  to  invest  in  your  community.  It  combines  the  generosity  of  thousands  of  donors  into  a  powerful  financial  resource,  and  your  gift  is  monitored  to  ensure  the  programs  are  effective,  meet  current  community  needs,  and  are  financially  stable  and  sustainable.  

Fact  #7  –  In  2008,  the  United  Way  -­‐led  Teen  Pregnancy  Prevention  Oversight  Committee  announced  a  goal  to  reduce  Milwaukee’s  birth  rate  among  15-­‐  to  17-­‐year-­‐olds  by  46%  by  2015.  By  2013,  the  Teen  Pregnancy  rate  in  Milwaukee  had  decreased  by  56%,  two  years  before  the  goal.  Also  in  2013,  the  Teen  Pregnancy  Prevention  Initiative  announced  another  ambitious  goal  –  to  reduce  the  2013  overall  rate  by  another  50%  by  2023.      

Fact  #8  –  United  Way  invests  nearly  90%  of  the  money  raised  in  the  programs  and  organizations  it  supports,  far  exceeding  the  65%  minimum  considered  acceptable  by  Charity  Navigator.  United  Way  has  received  Charity  Navigator’s  highest  rating,  4  stars,  for  5  consecutive  years  in  a  row.  Because  of  United  Way’s  good  governance  and  fiscal  responsibility,  you  can  ensure  that  your  gift  will  do  the  most  good  in  the  community.      

Fact  #9  –  United  Way  invests  in  programs  that  ensure  families  have  access  to  healthy,  local  and  affordable  fresh  fruits  and  vegetables.  Your  gift  to  United  Way  of  just  $2  per  week  provides  one  month’s  worth  of  fresh  produce  for  10  families.    

Fact  #10  –-­‐  Want  to  make  a  positive  impact  in  a  child’s  life?  Join  United  Way’s  Emerging  Readers  Program  and  you  will  be  assigned  one  local  child  to  share  books  with  four  times  a  year.  This  is  a  great  opportunity  for  families  to  give  back  together.    

Fact  #11  –  United  Way  partners  with  agencies  to  provide  help  to  those  without  health  insurance,  seniors  in  need  of  home  health  care,  survivors  of  abuse  and  individuals  struggling  with  mental  illness  and  addiction.  Last  year,  95%  of  older  adults  who  participated  in  United  Way-­‐funded  older  adult  support  and  independence  programs  were  able  to  socialize  and  make  friends,  which  can  help  improve  immunity,  blood  pressure,  brain  health  and  memory.    

Fact  #12  –  Your  gift  of  just  $5  per  week  can  provide  3  beds  for  a  family  experiencing  homelessness.  Check  out  the  impact  calculator  on  our  website  to  learn  more  about  the  amazing  things  you  can  do  for  our  community  by  giving  to  United  Way.    

Fact  #13  –  Did  you  know  that  11,361  residents  living  in  Waukesha  County  zip  codes  traveled  to  Milwaukee  to  receive  services  from  United  Way  programs  and  initiatives  last  year?    It  is  the  vision  of  the  newly-­‐merged  United  Way  of  Greater  Milwaukee  &  Waukesha  County  that  our  collective  community  will  allow  us  to  better  face  the  challenges  that  do  not  recognize  city  boundaries  or  county  lines.    

Fact  #14  –  When  we’re  on  solid  financial  ground,  we’re  more  likely  to  have  access  to  good-­‐quality  health  care,  provide  a  good  education  for  our  kids  and  contribute  to  the  local  economy.  United  Way  supports  49  local  programs  that  help  families  in  our  community  find  financial  stability.    

Fact  #15  –  The  Fondy  Farmer’s  Market  fills  the  need  for  fresh,  locally-­‐grown  food  on  Milwaukee’s  North  side.    In  October  2014,  30+  volunteers  from  United  Way’s  young  professional  group  LINC  built  a  deer  fence  at  Fondy  Farm  in  Port  Washington  that  will  save  nearly  15,000  lbs.  of  food  per  year,  proving  that  just  a  few  hours  of  service  can  make  a  huge  difference.